the one where gummies are on the house!

two sports fanatical Harrisons-aren't they darling?!
Ben and, our #1 nephew, Jacob


after a fantastic day at Aquatica Water Park

And now a little break-


my favorite "Robert Plant" impersonator


my stunningly beautiful daughter


love you, buddy!


woohoo!
Aunt Julie's turn at a hole in one


Doodle Bug


Uncle Todd and Aunt Julie


Hi Aunt Tanya


Est and Jack!


Double Prestons!
Double holes in one...double the trouble...double the fun!

As you may, or may not know, our family lives for golf. One would assume, given the seriousness of our families relationship with golf (on both sides mind you) that 18 holes would be a terribly professional affair.
When this family is on vacation the answer would be:
WRONG.
We are crazy mad over putt putt.
We take our putt putt more seriously than most folks take the masters.
We really do.
Let the photos speak for themselves!


Beautiful Ellie Belle

picture vomit part II or "The one where we get to Florida"

Coming up next...

"Aunt Essie!"
"I got a hole in THREE!!"


the first of many "proof" photos!


the photo says it all-there is nothing like a swimming pool and too many Harrisons there to count!


the beginning of the MARATHON Harrison Family Rock Band tour


WHO has a cuter niece?!
Seriously?
I ask you?


Oma Chris and Pres at Julie's birthday dinner Japanese Steakhouse style!

picture vomit part I or "The one where we spent 4 days trying to fly to the States"

safe and sound in JACKSON misissippi, no snap of Dollie, this old old camera of mine decided to die right after this was taken...which meant no fabbo photos of the 16 hour drive we took to get back to Virginia.


now we're watching movies...lying down...on the floor...of a C-17!!


notice Dollie, BEHIND Ben, asleep on the FLOOR of the plane!
Seriously, how cool is that?!


Tired, but thankful to be flying!


The view from my hammock seat, FINALLY on a plane, after waiting to get manifested on ANY flight out for 4 days!!


Team Leader with an OLD Ranger Buddy "Robert" who we saw on his way downrange after 9years! I hadn't seen Robert since our WEDDING!

our class is a very, very, very fine class!

way too cute!
my class (though I don't want to tempt fate) is simply
way
too
cute!

Pres LOVES high school.
yay!
Ben, after whoa serious complaining, met me with a huge smile when I walked through the front door.
double yay!
Dollie...not so psyched about 7th grade...she's in a frump because she isn't in a class with her bestie, Ruthie.
she will deal.

Fido, (Pres' buddy), said:
"the girls at high school were unreal"
they were so good looking-and Pres agreed.
holy mess!
Am I really ready for high school?!

get ready for a major, major photo post.
the computer is running-right now-and I'm going for it!

umarmen und lieben
essie

aacck!

The internet G-ds have given me (literally) 10 short minutes of connectivity-this wil have to be short, as I have NO idea if it will even post! With so much to finally share, it's Murphy's Law at it's finest-clearly!

First Day of School...today.
First Day of High School-
First Day of Seventh Grade-
First Day of Third Grade-
and for Momma...
First Day of First Grade at MES.
Pictures are being taken by Team Leader this morning, as I have to hit the autobahn in about 3 minutes-and makeup is still not on the 40 year old face.

It's a new year-full of potential and promise-ready for the making!
Fingers crossed for our little family, friends and loved ones!

umarmen und lieben
essie

I love you too, Leah

From the friend who takes me on, worts and all, an email from a mutual friend wrapping up our group in 8 sentences...
umarmen und lieben!

True Friendship
1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.
This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask; 'because you are my friend'

365 days later

Today our little family celebrated ONE year in Germany!

Go us!!

Team Leader, was in Italy.
I ventured to Strasbourg France with Dollie Doo, Lea, and Rahn.
Ben and Pres stayed at home...in Heidelberg.

How amazing is that?
One family-
Three countries!

I love living here...love it, love it, love it!
umarmen und lieben
essie

ps: Rahn is having a BLAST and has tried 6 different German beers, one French beer, and one fabulous beer from Trappist Monks in Belgium. She's had some brats and kraut, kafe und kutchen, and (if you ask my opinion) is a fantastic Amazing Race groupie and we love her...leading me to this nugget:

I got a job, permanent status, and folks ya'll need to come visit!
xoxox

worth the wait

120 hours in a truck...$800.00
262 pounds of luggage...$0.00 (thanks to Space A)
12 box meals...$41.25
3000+ miles to cover...to have a furry little face literally cry tears of joy...priceless!

We're back in Germany.
I have so much to post, from our trip to the States, to our week in Florida, to our mini-trip in North Carolina, to our return to Virginia, to our drive up to New Jersey where we finally flew out!
Yessiree
Lots and Lots to say.

First I want to say this:

Time wasn't on my side for this trip.
I know that I didn't get to see a quarter of the people I love before I had to leave.
However, I tried.
Time got the better of me...time, no wifi internet, CRAZY
MESS dental emergencies...it all added up.
I know that there is a real possibility that feelings are hurt, and, I'm sorry for that-I really am.
I know that I am, only, one person.
And, I know that I'm not perfect.
I also know that because I am only one person, and I can't make everyone happy-even when I want to-that I might not be able to accomplish everything that I set out to do.
That doesn't make me a bad person, just a person with a very long "to-do" list~

Time wasn't on my side this trip across the pond.
What time doesn't know that I do know...
I'll be back.

umarmen und lieben
essie

well-

back in the country, wifi isn't really an option...
staying in touch over the internet has been rough...
2 root canals, 2 fillings, a Frankenstein tooth and NONE of it done "under" sedation...

soooooo much worse!

I have much to post about our trip across the pond.
More still to say about our first few days back in VA, and then, our reunion in Orlando, and how I've spent almost everything I saved on school clothes, school shoes, school supplies, and GAS.

But for now, it's a quicky post on how a toothache can turn into a checking account nightmare.
AND
that my friends, is it.
seriously.

I have to go find my percaset.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

In limbo...

okay-little travel update for our faithful readers-
we're still in Germany.
We've been trying to get out since Thursday, and, ALMOST actually got on a plane last night...until it was recalled for being overweight.

I can't go into details for opsec reasons, but, folks we really are trying to get back.
We really are.
however...after 3 consecutive wake-up calls at 3:45, the option to go to Hawaii is looking REALLY good-I can't lie!

I'm already dreaming of sandy white beaches...a cocktail with an umbrellla...stuffing my pastey white (and 5 pounds larger) body into last year's bikini...
tempting.
very, very tempting!

Keep fingers and toes crossed for us...we need all that we can get!
umarmen und lieben,
essie

in the mail

yesterday was spent...at the post office.

I sent this minus two other boxes not yet ready for their photo op to the states.

it's all gummie candy folks...lots and lots of gummies.

then, I sent this, out to arkansas, where the cd birthday-scrapbook experiment BEGINS!

inside there is a little of this and some of this

that's all I'm willing to show, because I want arkansas and the states to be surprised when it gets to them. I can't wait to get it back...whenever that happens!

we're off tomorrow to start out journey back to the states for a family/friend trip home...so it might be a while until I blog again...the weather in Germany is beautiful, HOT, and calling me outdoors-

umarmen und lieben, all!
essie

twelve

our baby girl is twelve...
our baby girl is twelve in Germany...
now all three of our Kinder have turned another year older...
in Germany.

Never in my wildest dreams could I ever have imagined that we would live in Europe.
As long as I live, this will have to be an experience that rates seriously high in the lifetime achievement award category for opportunites parents give their children!

I promised to update, and update I will, but first thing this birthday morning...how about a little Doodle-Bug love?!

Umarmen und lieben!
essie
ps-Rahn, you gave us ALL the momma of bday giftness when I opened your email to read that YOU ARE COMING TO GERMANY IN AUGUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Girl, YOU ROCK, and the festivities are being planned as I type!
pps-*e* you crack me up! J-rod TOTALLY needs to be kicking the ball, and wiping hair out of his eyes, here with us! Tell Mr. Nestle to get his act together and "move that Colin" to DE!

And now...some unapproved by the subject, snaps of our girlie in Deutschland

Dollie and Sky trying on the groovy '80's style DISCO stretch pants that are COMING BACK in style over here...


















Sky, Dollie, and Ruthie right before we went into the park at Tripsdrill


















Ben, Dollie, Ruthie, and Klein Ruthie















Lea and Dollie New Year's 2007



















Pres, Dollie, and Ben on Ben's Bday. (She will HATE this one bc her hair is wet...whoops!)

















Ruthie, Dollie, and Lea

the ides of June

And one day, I wake up, to realize that
school is over-
I'm the mother of a HIGH SCHOOLER-
I don't have to wake up at 5:30 if I don't want to-
I've managed to "stress away" the last 3 weeks.

not good...

Side bar:
TODAY is my baby brother's birthday!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUNCAN
We hope you celebrated SOMEHOW-SOMEWAY-SOMEWHERE with mom, dad, and angus.
Birthdays are for celebrating DA, and your lot in life is to be part of a family that adores you.
So, deal.
(Your gift should be there tomorrow!)

Soccer ended for the boylies.

Ben had a great season and I made this for his team "Optimous Lime"

not exactly claiming to be Julia Child, BUT, I did manage to dye the cupcake batter a putrid lime green to match the kids team color!



go, ME!



Preston had an amazing season; his first soccer season since 1st grade, thanks to years and years of football. We're waiting on his end of year team party, he's ready to turn in the purple jersey, but it was phenominal feeling, watching him attack the ball!

Preston ALSO had his 8th grade formal.
Note to self: "Self, it's time to get your son a SUIT...and possibly a haircut."



Dollie took up HULA-and hold your breath-SHE'S AWESOME.
(that's her, 2nd from the right)


We're not too sure we're 100% psyched about the serious hip and booty shaking that she has mastered, but, we're proud of her for trying something SO out of her comfort zone and finding out that she's good at it!




Last week I got this in the mail





all the scrappy love a girl could ask for, and then more.

*e* managed to send me WAAAY too much fantastic paper and scraping goodness, making me love her even more than I normally do, and while the kinder and I went through everything, I found a baggie with 5 purple plastic wrist thingys...one for each of us
A memory of Alex.
I read the band, and, smiled.
Erika and Gabby-you have done your sister and her memory proud.
Preston and, his wonder-twin Kevin, and Dollie listened as I told Kevin her story and then all put on a bracelet...which they have yet to take off.
"Eat 2 Live 2 Run 4 Alex"

Erika, huge hugs and SO much love, what you sent has made all the difference in my birthday cd experiment (coming to you first, so get ready!) AND Dollie has been bitten by the scrapping bug and is taking everything that I can't hide first-seriously!

Folks, there is more to add, but the bed is calling me-
I'm terribly aware of how neglectful I've been to this poor blog 'o mine...
tomorrow part II, I promise, with even more pictures!

umarmen und lieben!
essie

www.BROKEN

So...our internet has decided that working isn't all it's cracked up to be.
yup.
we are without internet service...AGAIN!

I'm in the library, sneaking some email time, instead of taking care of "Casa H."
(trust me...though sneaking right now, I'm a better person at home for it!)
I'm going to try and keep up with emails, but can't promise a quick turn around,
SO
don't think I'm ignoring you.

I'm just lost in space.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

tapping out!

famous for sarcasm, I'm using a new phrase (courtesy of WWE) to cover the stress of school, work (which I always previously THOUGHT OF as play), Mommy-ing, Wife-ing, Daughter-ing, Friend-ing and my lame-ass attempts to cover all those crazy bases.

Leah-I SWEAR I didn't forget your birthday, I had the mother of all migraines on Saturday...if my head hadn't been pounding, you TOTALLY would have been on my mind!

Lori-Evan's gift is somewhere...when I find it, I'm adding Ansley's just to be on the safe side!

*e* hope things got to you in good order, and,that you loved them, AND, that Coley's teachers have pulled their heads out of their asses, and, he's getting services.

Rahn-totally come in August!! I might be poor as s**t, but we will STILL manage to have a fantastic time. Luftansa is doing a special, we can get you to England for 69euro...around 120 bucks round trip, and Luftansa is a good airline! We can call it our REAL Amazing Race!! How cool would that be?!!can you read the sign?! No, I didn't make the concert, but next year...I'm there!

Louise-I'm glad to hear that you are safe, sound, having whoa lits of fun with neighbor, and making the most of being YOUNG! I owe you a serious email, I know it, you'll get one!

Jacob, Aunt Essie hopes you loved your bday box! And Ellie Belle, and Jack, we hope you had a veritable candy feast with the extras in the box for you! Chris, you got a Polish Shopping Basket-direct from Poland-all the Oma's here have them, and actually they are seriously handy! I have 2 or 3 myself!

Jules, I LOVE this picture of us, and it makes me excited for July!

Mom and Dad-I love you....

BIG sigh from the girl who not only is tapping out, but is counting out!!
Make that counting down-school's out June 13th!

umarmen und lieben
essie
the living proof of me turning 40-with Team Leader on the train to Munich, 10 April 2008

it's May?

seriously.

this is the quickie post...written waaaay too late on a school night, because after all my email madness following Team Leader's surgery, I've gotten pretty swamped managing our life...

and that's the understatement of the century!

He's okay-neither of us knew what to expect, and, while he's nowhere near his super-de-duper chipper self, he's doing alright. No one likes to feel down and out, and, for those who know TL well-he's a difficult guy to "keep down!"

With 2 of our 3 Harrisons playing soccer, me starting my second Masters Degree in Special Ed, school winding it's way into JUNE and summer, not having ANY job security for me, and our new D.O.G. (for real, a new dog)I'm a little bit bonkers right now.

For me to even admit it-HUGE-and now I'm off to sleep. It's a short night when you're waking up for middle of the night meds!

SOME DAY I'll post pictures-if you want to see amazing snaps of Germany, hit my link for the prickril's adventures in Germany, he's an amazing photographer and their family lives about 10 minutes from us.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

Calm after the storm...

Team Leader is out of the hospital.
Mom and Dad are safely back in the States.
I am trying to figure out how work is going to fit into this crazy busy life I've inherited...
and
if I have enough sick days to cover the time I've taken off dealing with all the madness!

*sigh*

And...while I'd LOVE to post photos from vacation, family nights, and the hospital...BLOGGER is being stinky, and, won't let me.

*bigger sigh*

umarmen und lieben
essie

finally!

Okay-so I'm going to begin with these photos...I have many more to post, but I actually have work to do before it's midnight and I am freaking out because I'll only have 5 hours before I have to wake up for SCHOOL!
(Um...yes. I do suffer from Sunday Night School Anxiety...last time I checked, wasn't I the teacher?!!)


Waaaayy up high at the Kaufhof with Gaia and GrandpaDad

Look at Me...Look at Gaia...We're in the Olive Store Window!
Mr. Ben, and his hair!


the revolving toilet...brought to you by Gaia!

the starter flakes...beginning the foot of snow...seen and felt outside our flat...that we woke up to...on the first day of our week in Oberstaufen...PRICELESS!

"Blog no. 145" OR "the one where 40 is 39 + 1"

Oh my gosh-

Where to start?
I have no words to describe the last week!

HA! Kidding!
Actually, as I downloaded my photos, I realized I have some serious blogging to catch up on,
blogging that includes photos.
I've been bad, and, that will now change.
Because folks, "40 is 39 + 1".
seriously-
Speaking with 2 days into 40,

40 is cool!

First-all my hugs, and, so much love to Lori, Lana, Leah, Jen, Chris, Tosh, Tommy, Miles, and Simon, Julie, Todd, "Honey Bear," "Ellie Belle," Harrison Family, and my sweet Erika for all the "e-love" a girl could ask for!
Trust me, for those not there...yet...(Froy Lana-heh!)...it's a great birthday, and you totally feel the love! You really do!
But-having my parents with me and MY family-that was fabulous!

Second-Chugging-well drinking really b/c the beer here is WHOA beer and not for playing-a "Muncher Weiss" with family and new friends in the HOFBRAU HAUS was really cool, and so yum delish!
I have a great new appreciation for beer, even though my heart still yearns for a "Lucky" (circa 1985 folks-such memories!) the above mentioned libation was worth the wait.

Third-who knew that I had taken so many snaps up til now?! honestly!

Fourth-my family is amazing.
seriously amazing.
I'm so lucky-I am.
What a wonderful group of people, and, I'll take them over anyone any day of the week...
warts and all.

Fifth-I've had my husband reaffirm the truth in his vow to protect me from all evil...including psycho German bicyclists who refuse to move their bikes away from perfectly good seating on a train ride to Munich (2 + hours away) so that "old people" can sit down...SUCH a funny story! That post will be titled with expletives...
big-well-biggish 4 letter words.
LOTS of biggish 4 letter words.
on the train...
biggish 4 letter words.

Sixth-I can walk my a** off thanks to increased lung capacity courtesy of the Alps.

Seventh-I am a "Carb-o-holic" and Germany is my enabler...

Eighth-I don't care that I love carbs. I love them, and am willing to do the work to get a big butt.

Ninth-I think the movie "Enchanted" is sweet...and the world should be a nicer place. I'm very worried that it isn't...
seriously, I am-I think we're "going to hell in a henbasket" and the nightly news scares the crap out of me.

Tenth-My mom has begun the next 40 years of my life as crazy as the first 40.
She thinks she's developed diabetes today because her crappy glasses broke and she can't see...
(Now I'm in BIG trouble for typing that!!)
heh.

It's okay...I'm 40 and well...I'll say it again, 40 is 39 + 1.
*Thanks Pres!*

umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben!
essie

pictures will be posted-promise, promise, promise!

Quickly!

40th bday tomorrow in...MUNICH!

Hofbrau Haus
HERE
I
COME!!

Having an amazing time in Oberstaufen-totally recommend it over Garmisch, something I never thought I'd say...

have to dash!
umarmen und lieben
essie

Love Song

March 27, 1993

I became your wife!

l.a.s.n. BB

*sidebar...more to come, it's been a wild day!*

The Adventures in Pooh Corner

I registered Pres for High School today.
My baby boy...
High School...

The place where REALLY big kids
go to school
with seriously younger kids
who think they are big.

In some ways they are-
big.
In other ways-
not so much.

I wanted to leave early this afternoon,
just to be on the safe side.
Pres was giving me stress;
"WHY Mom...WHY do we have to leave so early?!"
When I left school (in a snow storm mind you) today,
I raced home as fast as I dared (in a snow storm mind you),
to get home to him.

He was there.
He was waiting.
He was ( I think) ready and a little bit nervous.
So we took Gaia.
We needed Gaia.

It was a 3 generation registration!
heh.

His closest friends (minus one who goes tomorrow) were there
with their parents
rocking back and forth on their heels.
Murmuring about "Freshman Fridays"
and classes to take.

We agreed on:
Honors English/World History
Biology
Geometry
Spanish I
PE
Guitar I
and computer programming class.

It took 3+ hours.

I didn't cry, although I did gulp a big big gulp when the counselor reviewed the credits necessary for graduation...only 26.
That's the number that will keep my son home, until he is gone, and is a much bigger kid than I'll ever be ready to accept.

Now, sitting at this computer, I am crying.
Now, in the living room, he is playing a vicious game of Uno with his Grandma, little brother and sister.
He laughs.
I cry...
the dichotomy amazes me.

Our safe little world, Pooh Corner, changed tonight.
And...
The Hundred Acre Wood, with this milestone,
became one acre larger.

whew!

okay-catching up on life at Casa Harrison just might do me in-here goes!

Mom and Dad come on Tuesday for 6 weeks!
Hip
Hip
HOORAY!

We haven't seem them since we left the States last August.
They will be here for 6 wonderful weeks...
They will be here for our 15th anniversary.
They will be here for my 40th birthday.
They will be here for Spring Break in Germany,Austria, and the Alsace (?) region of France...

They will be here for Team Leader's back surgery.

yup.
You read right.

back surgery...serious surgery, but in the hands of a professional and not the burned out military doctors who might not BE trauma surgeons, should be a good thing.

He's having the surgery on the economy (in Heidelberg).
I trust his surgeon, who took the time on Valentine's Day, to walk me through the entire procedure...with pictures. I'm glad that we'll have the support of my parents, physically right here to hand hold, because every little bit helps.

Let's see...other interesting news...
3 friends had babies/became grandparents/or became aunties!
Hugs and Love go out to:

"evansen"
"kameron"
and
"jayden"

ALL BOYS!

What else...
I finished my Switzerland quilt block AND my Poland quilt block.
Yay me!
(Pictures will follow-I swear.)
Next month (b/c we are skipping April due to holidays) we will make France!

Work news...
I rearranged my classroom last Friday-kiddos have NO idea and will walk in tomorrow to the devestation and havoc that only one naughty Leprechaun ("Coughlin McSmiley") can create.
I'm getting ready to wrap their potatoes as soon as I'm finished with this post.

40 issues...
I have all the songs just about ready for my "Lyrical Round" 40th Birthday CD scrapbook collection! (Whoa, mouthful!)
I have the paper, I have the chipboard accents, I have the stickers, I have the mailing box...now I need to put it all together. I don't expect to have it back before the Fall, but the idea of knowing it's out there-
out there being made-
being made by folks who I love
folks who I love and love me back-
I can hardly keep from jumping up and down!

And now, I'm rambling, and I know it!
Happy St Paddy's day-almost-

umarmen und lieben, everyone!
essie

For Alex

Touched by An Angel by Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave.

And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.

Yet it is only love which sets us free.


Lana, Doug, Erika, Gabby...our family won't forget her.

Love Letters

Do you write them?
My parents did.
My Grandparents did.
I do.
But, after our phone call this morning
I realized that I maybe
just maybe
I don't.

Team Leader read my blog for the first time in a while last night.

A little background to catch you all up; I've been a raving b**ch lunatic this week,
and
have made my fair share of monumental apologies in response to said
"Dr. Jeckel/Mrs. Hyde" behavior.
The FOUR apologies I've made so far, were directed at him, as
he has been the beneficiary of my freak.

Anyhoo, he said that reading this blog let him into a side of me he feels he doesn't know.
I told him that my family and friends have always said that my writing style mirrors how I talk. Apparently, I don't talk to him the way I talk to all of you...
Hmm...
I told him that we don't write to each other, maybe that's the issue, and that he does "know" this side of me-really he does. I also suggested that we maybe needed to try writing to each other.
I don't think he bought it.
He told me he doesn't like to write letters.
I told him he needed to try.

I've changed monumentally as a person since I met and married him.
I've said 1000 times if I've said it once:
HE is the person who knows how to manage me, and occasionally I'm a b**ch to manage.
He's the face I wake up to-when he isn't saving the world from devastation.
He's the snore that I miss when I'm alone at night.
He is the worst eater ever.
He is a neat freak, not in a bad way-anymore :)
He is a tremendously hard worker-in spite of a seriously broken back-seriously.
He's the guy who encourages me to take time for myself and tunes me out when I complain that I get no time to take for myself.
He's the man who challenges my fantastic European driving sensibilities and always thinks we're going to crash.
He's the father of my children, and yet, he still claims them!
He's my husband.
He's my partner.
He is the love of my life.

THIS letter is the first letter for him.
umarmen und lieben, BB
xoxox
BB

Am I, or not?

What Esther Means

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

This is Team Leader's hidden meaning...

how funny is it that we have the exact same paragraph on travel? Hmm...

What Anthony Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Good Lovin'

On my younger brother's 37th birthday
(Happy Birthday Angus! Your present is coming-we love you!!xox)

my friend became a mother...
for
the
very
first
time!

my friend became an aunt...
for
the
very
first
time!

This family had a day of
VERY
good lovin'
thanks to the arrival of a
teeny tiny little boy,
with a very large name:
"Evansen George Fekete"

Like me,
Little Evansen will have a monogram that reads
'EFG'
How cool!?!
(Initials, and birthdays, we're all about the sharing in this neighborhood!)

With his birth, this family got their wish, and not a moment too soon!

Little Evansen,
may you dream big dreams
may you have your hearts desire
may you wish on stars
may you cherish each day
may you always feel the devotion that welcomed you home...

Gabby, good job, sweetie-good job!

umarmen und lieben
essie

For the Fek Family

All our thoughts, prayers, hopes, dreams, and wishes are with you today!
We are SO ready to welcome our newest "neighbor" to the 'hood!
xoxox
umarmen und lieben
E,T,P,D,and B

Don't read this post if you didn't watch the Superbowl!

The NY Giants won the superbowl in the last 40 seconds of the game-good for them!
Not so good, for the NE Patriots, who didn't...win, that is.

I only root for the Redskins, as many of you already know, so this superbowl (like many prior) really wasn't that important to me. I know that one day my guys will make it to the big time again, and then the entire sporting world will know what I already know; that sometimes it takes all the heart in the world to prove your might, and that if you continue to believe, anything is possible.
Even a superbowl win by the Washington Redskins!
I guess I'm an optimist...worked for Boston Red Sox fans, right?!

Went to the second block of the month for my Eurotrippen Quilt (*kudos to B for always making me smile when I read her blog, and say the name of my quilt).
Had a BLAST but have an entire section of the block yet to finish-this one was an ass kicker, so snaps will go up when it's done...hopefully on Thursday

Had a meeting in Heidelberg today, so no teaching of the kinders, and b/c I'm becoming more OCD by the minute made a late night trip to my classroom last night JUST to make sure all was in order for their first day without "Mrs. H." I haven't heard screams yet, and the school day ended over 2 hours ago so I'm thinking it's okay to go back tomorrow.

Got to wear my new puma purple suede boots today-they rocked, and I love them!Probably so not the fashion ideal for many folks, but they work for me, and at 60euro from 120euro, I thought it was a bargain "must have."

not much more to say...just felt the need to blog...

umarmen und lieben all!
essie

Hold the phone!

Where did January go?!

**On the 9th of February, we will have been in Germay for six months...amazing!**

Today was conference day at for the elementary schools in our district...I had 10 set up, out of the 26 in my class, I was mildly productive. Not bad...not quite 50% but whose really counting anyway!

Have I mentioned that I have "Thug Mommas" in my classroom?!
Well, I do, and they are the women who huff and puff and try to yell your door down when they feel put upon by their child's teacher.
I had a conference lined up with my biggest Thug Momma, and, naturally because it didn't suit her-she didn't show...or call...just didn't show.

(And I wondered WHY OH WHY her little man would come to school with shoes on the wrong feet, girl's pants, a plummer's crack to beat the BAND, and had such limited self help skills that he would wait for his shirt to take ITSELF off!
seriously.
He waited for the shirt to come off and told my assistant it (the shirt) wasn't moving! Anyhoo!!)

The Thug Momma took a day off from parenting.
I'm bitchily (did I just make up a word there?) assuming she takes off puhlenty of parenting days as I write this...
In spite of her, I found the time to completely revamp how I'm going to do my Centers with this class.
Which worked for me, I just hope that something-anything-she does this weekend, works for him.

umarmen und lieben
essie

There she is...

Miss America 2008

This year the Miss America pageant took a "reality check" spin on life as a beauty queen and opted to "revamp" the image using a reality based pre-pageant show.
I'm shallow enough; I know it-I bit.
I watched the show, and then, I watched the pageant.
To my happy surprise the young woman who won will spend the next year advocating for her platform: Public Awareness of Eating Disorders.

Apparently even little girls who dream of becoming Miss America aren't immune to the unrealistic body image that society favors and then places as the "body to be" on our beautiful daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and friends.

Our new Miss America survived an eating disorder and has lived to tell.

She is one of the lucky ones...speaking as another one of the lucky ones, I hope she does everything she sets out to do this year as the voice for those who can't speak, won't speak, are no longer here to speak...

My bigger hope, that people somehow learn to listen.
Good Luck Miss Michigan!

umarmen und lieben
essie

(Still on the soapbox: It is about time.
She had my vote at "Hello")
RIP Alex

Good Things Saturday...a day late

Looking back on the week that was:

*I love my iPod.
*I love that music was fantastic when I was in High School (circa 1982-1986...is that giving away too much?!)
*I like going to the gym because...3 day work weeks are fabulous and WHOA stressful
*I obsessed on new nameplates for my Kinders and created something nothing sort of a masterpiece! Won't THEY be surprised on Monday when they come into class?!
*You can tell your family you want little (if anything) to do with them AND still love them
*christmas trees come down faster than they go up. Now, what to do with the huge empty space in the living room? Hmm...I smell new decorating project or two...
*oil changes DO make cars run better..particularly on the Autobahn
*McDonald's does indeed make the best fries...even in Germany
*The Apotheke is so handy-fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. I love that I can go there and get exactly what will do the trick when "Heuschnupfenallergien*" takes over Team Leader's head AND they always give you fun little samples of neat little things. I love neat little things.
* "Heuschnupfenallergien" is the biggest word in the world for something everyone experiences: HAY FEVER
*ex-pat blogger buddies clue you in on the things that make "heuschnupfenallergien" happen: Hazelnut and Alder Trees in early bloom
*Skype rocks. Being able to talk to parents, family, friends, and family that you make when they spend a semester in Florence...a really good thing!
*FINALLY, hearing that your beloved Daddy has made a step, an elliptical step, in the right direction...nothing in the world will beat that folks.

A year and a half ago, my sister in law took her health into her own hands and lost over 100 pounds. By doing so she gave our family years; years of future time to share with her, for which we are all grateful, and remain inspired by her determination to have and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
SHE is the person I keep referring to when I work to muster motivation in my Dad.
The past decade has been brutal for our family, but together, WE have survived.
More important, Daddy, has survived.
He worked out for 5 minutes for the first time yesterday. My sister in law told me that her first 5 minutes on the treadmill almost killed her...but she didn't give up and now she literally runs marathons.

Daddy, I know how hard this is for you.
We push you because we want you to stay.
We push you because we need you to stay.
It's 100% personal.
"Your work here isn't done."
Don't forget that.
Make that your motivation to make 5 minutes become 6, and so on, and so on...
I love you-I'm so proud of you-YOU CAN DO THIS!
Dassie

the week that was ladies and gentlemen!
umarmen und lieben
essie

Happy Birthday

DADDY!!

I love you,
I miss you,
and
I hope next year we can celebrate all the January birthdays here!

xoxoxox
Dassie

"Weekend Update"

The drama of Mr. Nasty Moving Rep continues...very frustrating...
Apparently I needed to know his CV, because that's what he sent me.
A single spaced seriously long email all about what the Army does that his company isn't responsible for and that "[he's] been in my shoes."
literally...my shoes...somehow I don't think so.

And here I was thinking doublespeak was reserved only for politicians!

Folks, I swear this guy is good enough to be running for office-the big one even-heck if GWB could be president, why not the silver tongued Moving Rep?!

I decided to take my simmering anger to the next level and replied by thanking him for said doublespeak and requesting the professional courtesy of 3 available dates for a meeting-for US
to hash out the particulars...
to answer questions...
for him to feel the power of my wrath.
That's right, gloves off!

(Pause while I take my anger management pill!)

On a happier note, I'm reading a blog that has a gratitude friday entry-
very nice thought, to end the week with the things that make life good, that's real power there.
Good stuff.

I checked in on the blog of an essie-pal who I have on my link list.
She's due any day and the 5 of us here couldn't be more excited and grateful for the little soul we're all desperate to meet.
Love her.
So love her sisser, who taught me to meet your neighbors, know your neighbors, love your neighbors, and mean it.
Because we need our neighbors, all the time, even when we think we don't...
We do. xox *e*
(BTW, I wore my 'A' shirt today and if Gab hasn't had him, he's coming soon...just feels like it.)
Her blog was nuttin' but love today.
More good stuff.

I got the album that I'm going to use for my birthday "Lyrical Round."
Holy Mess!
So excited...instead of doing a tradtional circle journal scrapbook, I'm going to burn a cd of super essie inspired songs and send it to any friend who wants to participate.
Then
that person will burn a cd, add it to my book and send it to someone else.
When it's done...it will be sent back to me.
I AM PSYCHED!
And, anyone who wants to can play along, just let me know!
(Some already have...yippeeee!!!)
Still more good stuff.

I guess today became "Good Stuff Saturday" somewhere along the way...that works,
right?

umarmen und lieben!
essie

WTF-SERIOUSLY

How do things like what I'm about to post ALWAYS happen to our family?!
SERIOUSLY
Do we have some fricken LIGHTNING ROD attached to us somewhere that we can't see but is clearly sticking out far enough to SCREW us with?!

UGH

So, today, Team Leader had to meet with the moving rep, regarding our PCS claim (what was damaged, lost, or stolen during our move to Germany)
He told me what happened...
and then...
He told me he wished he hadn't.
The following is sitting in the inbox of the person who will now have to deal with me.
Lucky him.

"Mr. S-

I am H-'s wife, Esther. I have spoken with my husband about your meeting today and I must take this opportunity to let you know I am shocked by what he told me. Shocked, infuriated, livid-you choose-I think it is in everyone's interest that we reschedule and you and I have a chance to sit down to discuss the particulars of our move.

First, At NO time were we EVER told that we had to provide ORIGINAL purchase receipts for missing personal goods. I have grave concerns over this statement. If I have misunderstood my husband, please, feel free to elaborate and/or correct me. When I turned in our information, I told the soldier beginning our PCS Claim file that we were never given an inventory from the movers when our Unaccompanied Household Goods were picked up; in fact, we believe that the moving company FORGOT we were on their schedule 10 July, and when they did show up at 5:00p.m. the evening of the 10th what was "packed" was thrown into boxes without any thought or care.

What arrived here that second week of August was in tatters; the remaining items (that I inventoried) were STOLEN.

They are GONE.

Second, with respect to the family heirlooms that are missing, HOW am I meant to provide original receipts for items that were passed down by deceased family members?! My husband shared that in your opinion, it would have benefited us to have our household inventory appraised every few years or so, because "how much is an antique worth?" Not helpful advice after the fact, wouldn't you agree? I was given that armoire 27 years ago on my 13th birthday. It's French. That's what I know. I find it strikingly odd, that the representative of the moving company has all sorts of advice when it comes tofacing and possibly accepting responsibility for damages, but NO advice prior to the pack up.

Third, I understand that you shared with my husband the fact that some soldiers are "cut checks that they then don't use to repair or replace" is it ANY of your business how a family chooses to move next, particulalry when the items that made them FEEL AT HOME are broken beyond repair or stolen by unscrupulous moving employees? Who are you to assume that we are "deadbeats" who just want the cash? THESE WERE PIECES OF OUR LIFE THAT WERE DAMAGED, AND/OR STOLEN DURING OUR MOVE TO GERMANY FROM NORTH CAROLINA. We didn't ask for this, but, this is what we got. We're talking about wedding crystal, children's furniture, family heirlooms, a file cabinet with TEACHING PLANS inside it-who in G-d's green earth wants a file cabinet with someone else's lesson plans for crying out loud? What I want, is my stuff, and since YOU and the MOVERS can't provide it, I think the on-ace of responsibility should fall on YOUR shoulders NOT mine.

This is outrageous.

Fourth, I didn't select the companies that packed our things, the Army did. Had it been up to me, I would have interviewed reputable companies with unblemished records, compared expense estimates and selected a company based on many more things than a low ball bid-which is what I believe the Army does-lowest bid gets the job. Instead, left at your mercy, I now have to prove what WAS mine, actually belonged to me. If I'm wrong, I'd LOVE for someone to prove me different, because I really can't help but smell something fishy here. It's awfully conveinent for you to have all the burden of proof placed on me-the victim.

Going back to my first issue of concern, if anyone had bothered to inform me or my husband that original purchase receipts were "required" for partial replacement (as I now understand we don't make the new window of opportunity for full replacement because our things arrived here 6 weeks prior to your new cut-off date) I would have stored or sold EVERY ITEM WE OWN before we left. That way I wouldn't have to go through the heartbreak of leaving our home, to find that what we arrive to in Germany is nothing but pieces of what we sent.

Finally, this is the most ridiculous situation I could possibly imagine being in-this system is shameful and IN NO WAY supports the soldiers and their families who are moved at the Army's whim without any thought or care about their personal belongings. I am outraged by this new information, and, if you can't help us or answer my great concerns then please BY ALL MEANS forward my email to your superior and I'll gladly talk to that person. As it stands, I am planning on going back to the Claim Office AND to Legal Aid-someone dropped the ball here and it sure wasn't me.

Esther H-"

Does it show that I'm really frustrated, or do ya think he might call security after reading this...hmm...
sucks to be him I guess!

"We're not a Burger King...

...you don't get to have it your way"

was what I said to two of my little boylies today at lunch when I stopped them
MID SPOON FLICK
as they tried to start a food fight in the cafeteria!
(Have I mentioned that they are 5...five...cinqo...fumf...5)

I took the spoons...forks...sporks...from them and had to turn around before I laughed out loud from the looks on their faces.

I love Kindergarten-I really do!
umarmen und lieben
essie

I'm not a tourist...I live here!

(Part II)

My mantra yesterday morning as I drove off post into the German darkness to make the first of many, many, many early morning trips to my new job in Mannheim.
I thought it as I turned onto the exit...
I murmered it as I entered the Autobahn...
I said it as I prayed the GPS would turn on...
I screamed it when the GPS froze and performed some type of illegal action rendering it utterly USELESS.

UGH

I made it...relying heavily on any and all of the landmarks that I had noted on earlier trips...and I met the teacher I'm replacing and all the little one's who now know me as "Mrs. H."

wow!

another year...I get a classroom space for me, me, ME! It's chock full (26 little bodies full) of unique personalities, carefully selected names, cherished small people whose faces smile trust, and sweet, and happy, and a teeny bit mischievous...

I've decided it's a good thing.
Even if the GPS never works again.
I'll find my way with the 26 of them.

umarmen und lieben!
e

Big Blogness today

3 days...72 hours...whoa a LOT has happened!

Friday, I got the job.
Yup.
I got the Kindergarten job.
I'm the teacher for 6 months and then...G-d willing I'll be rehired for next year to teach
OR
better!

Saturday, Gaia's Birthday: we love you and miss you, I took the rotters to the Hauptsrasse and got 2 new "dos"... if you look closely, you'll see the GREEN streaks that this one, this first born child, INSISTED to be the only thing that would secure his happiness in life.
ACK!
this one just got caramel highlights...now the problem is in the stark realization she looks seriously older than she is.
ACK!
this one is convinced he is a WWE wrestler and is campaigning as I type for his shot at something totally BLOND.
ACK!

Sunday, today, I spent the day in a fabulous quilting class working on this quilt block of Brandenberg Gatefor what will become our family "Eurotrippen Quilt!" (Rights for the name must go to my fellow ex-pat in Germany: "B" whose blog you all must read. The name of the quilt is "Travel Europe" which I really couldn't live with, so B, I hope it's alright and if need be, I'll make a Euro quilt for you!) Next month we'll be making a block for Switzerland and I cannot WAIT!

Tomorrow, I go to my current school for my last day, and Tuesday, I'm off to Mannheim as "Essie the Teacher!"

Light a candle.
Say a prayer.
Look to the sky and think positive thoughts for me...our kids (who have to wake up earlier now)...and my husband (who has to help them get ready in the mornings now)!
umarmen und lieben
e

10 more

I went through our kitchen, after attempting to create various holiday meals with most of my kitchen gear missing (thanks to unscrupulous moving employees who know Pampered Chef when they see it), and decided that I needed to make 2008 the year of the upgrade.
I've always had a red-ish kitchen, and, I like it that way. (So no major changes in color-that-I've decided.)
Currently I'm using my favorite quilt top(previously used as our Christmas Tree Skirt) as a curtain in the kitchen. I love, lovE lOvE the scrappy vintage feel it gives my basic military prison style kitchen-paired with the red wine bottle with bamboo growing like crazy cakes, and a photo of Doodle-Bug in a mosaic frame,it's a happy place!
What I need, are cooking and baking SUPPLIES, it's almost like going back to the basics here folks with one minor problem...while I'm only Julia Child/Rachel Ray/Bobby Flay/Pampered chef in my MIND (another sometimes happy place)I do like to have what I need...I'm also operating on a beer budget (for now), a hard pill to swallow when you have champagne taste.

Sadly, I need lots and lots! Well, maybe I don't actually NEED lots and lots, but I'm wanting lots and lots, that is for certain!~

Where to start? I have no idea. This is majorly frustrating (um...do people my age say "majorly?")Give me your favorite shopping haunts and I'll start looking for:

1. baking dishes (including cast iron and/or ceramic)
2. cookie sheets
3. pots and pans (including a wok)
4. champagne glasses
5. beer glasses
6. cocktail glasses (assorted-natch!)
5. fondue set and a rice cooker (does that count as two-I think it might)
6. prep dishes
7. salad furniture (you know, the ginormous wood bowl, with stand and tongs)
8. basic white platters for serving
9. waffel iron
10. a skillet-a big skillet-a REALLY big skillet

(+1 more...a fabulous new kettle...mine is dying!)

umarmen und lieben
essie

Esther's Top Ten for 2007 and What to Expect in 2008

I've decided to make up my top ten list from 2007 and add my resolution top ten for 2008. Maybe I'm a simpleton, maybe not, but here they are for your reading pleasure AND for me to reread when I break one...

"TT for 2007"

10. There were many visits from loved ones in VA...always fantastic!
9. There were many visits to see loved ones in FL...happy reunions!
8. Home improvement took on a new meaning thanks to Maxwell, Samson, and some very
pesky moles in the yard...
7. Ben won the "Speed Stacking" tournament for 1st Grade
6. Dollie graduated from Elementary School
5. Preston won the Poetry Slam for the 7th Grade
4. I made it through the most challenging year of teaching so far-with no bruises,
and teammates who became the closest dearest friends a girl could ask for
3. Tony announced the biggest family news to date: a move to Europe
2. We packed up our life,said goodbye to NC and VA, making the move...across the pond...to Heidelberg Germany
1. Heidelberg became our new home-nothing short or a miracle, nothing short of amazing!
(+1. AND living with my family gives me grey hair-STINK!)

"What to Expect in '08"

1. To get the family eating more healthy foods-sorry, it's a life long quest of mine, apparently...
2. To relax more-like my friend *e* says "a kindler, gentler, me"
3. To travel-working on that-talk to me after Spring Break
4. To stay healthy...MAN, am I ever sick of being SICK! This should cover the exercise resolution, right?!
5. To read every night before bed
6. To write my parents every week
7. To start planning for the holidays NOW...this will absolutely help out with #2...even if it really implies that I'm somehow a little manic, or OCD
8. To finish what I start, and on Sunday, I'm starting a paper pieced quilt with a quilting class that has a European Travel theme...I've quite possibly bitten off more than I can chew and I know it!
9. To maintain a kick a** scrapbook of the crazy things we do here in Germany, as we do them, not days, weeks, months, or YEARS later
10. To keep thanking G-d for all the blessings of this life-my life-our life.
(+1. To find a hair salon that can actually DEAL with MY hair and cover up this new grey! Holy Mess!!)

Happy New Year!
umarmen und lieben,
essie